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What does a chief systems engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
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Chief systems engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real chief systems engineer resumes:

  • Manage the technical performance, cost, and schedule of RF and electronic equipment subcontractors.
  • Accomplish responsibility to configure, administer and support new infrastructure solutions on Microsoft platforms to meet enterprise level requirements.
  • Implement HPVM UNIX Virtualization and configuration for all dev/test on SAN.
  • Mentore and serve as a technical resource for less experience Java developers.
  • Create regulatory strategy to ensure RF spectrum are adequate to support plan solutions.
  • Develop and submit product development technical papers throughout the DOD to receive funding for projects.
  • Provide server, desktop, and OS support for one of the largest Microsoft NT beta implementations of its era.
  • Lead systems engineer for design and implementation of operational stability and improvement using 3PAR S400 & Cisco MDS 9506 SAN environment.
  • Train DoD personnel on advance telecommunications programming.
  • Specialize in migrating legacy applications to UNIX.
  • Perform before/after performance monitoring & comparison for SAN change over.
  • Perform system administration of network Unix base servers and workstations.
  • Develop architecture/libraries to support XML communication between Java servlet and CICS application.
  • Monitor OS optimization; test, evaluate product processing and accuracy performance within environment before operational implementation are performed with SCCM.
  • Perform QA function for ISRP in accordance with TSS practices and standards.

Chief systems engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13% of Chief Systems Engineers are proficient in Systems Engineering, System Architecture, and DOD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Initiative, and Speaking skills.

We break down the percentage of Chief Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Systems Engineering, 13%

    Organized and implemented Systems Engineering training within Chassis Systems in partnership with Oakland University.

  • System Architecture, 5%

    Developed system architecture, and performed technical/non-technical assessment and management.

  • DOD, 5%

    Trained DoD personnel on advanced telecommunications programming.

  • Logistics, 5%

    Supervised and performed management and administrative duties related to personnel, systems, operations and logistics.

  • Program Management, 4%

    Support Program Management by monitoring contractor performance through the examination of cost and schedule variances.

  • Emerging Technologies, 4%

    Safeguard client security through continual monitoring of emerging technologies, upgrading systems to protect users against virus trends and vulnerabilities.

Common skills that a chief systems engineer uses to do their job include "systems engineering," "system architecture," and "dod." You can find details on the most important chief systems engineer responsibilities below.

Concentration. The most essential soft skill for a chief systems engineer to carry out their responsibilities is concentration. This skill is important for the role because "electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products." Additionally, a chief systems engineer resume shows how their duties depend on concentration: "design system architecture with concentration in service-oriented architecture (soa). "

Initiative. Another essential skill to perform chief systems engineer duties is initiative. Chief systems engineers responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake." Chief systems engineers also use initiative in their role according to a real resume snippet: "facilitated the rollout of critical dod security (cac) initiatives. "

Speaking skills. chief systems engineers are also known for speaking skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to chief systems engineer responsibilities, because "electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians." A chief systems engineer resume example shows how speaking skills is used in the workplace: "developed and constructed patriot missile defense plans at the battalion level and presented to higher command. "

Writing skills. chief systems engineer responsibilities often require "writing skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents." This resume example shows what chief systems engineers do with writing skills on a typical day: "assisted in the proposal writing for new business development. "

Math skills. Another common skill required for chief systems engineer responsibilities is "math skills." This skill comes up in the duties of chief systems engineers all the time, as "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." An excerpt from a real chief systems engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what a chief systems engineer does: "create powershell scripts and sql agent jobs that monitor and report health statistics for microsoft sql server and the host hardware. "

Interpersonal skills. Another skill commonly found on chief systems engineer job descriptions is "interpersonal skills." It can come up quite often in chief systems engineer duties, since "electrical and electronics engineers must work with others during the manufacturing process to ensure that their plans are implemented correctly." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day chief systems engineer responsibilities: "team player with professional work ethic, positive attitude, and good interpersonal skills. "

Most common chief systems engineer skills

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Compare different chief systems engineers

Chief systems engineer vs. Engineering trainee

An engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research. They also identify cost-efficient materials and resources that meet quality standards and client specifications. An engineering trainee must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing reports, attending meetings, and ensuring that all reports are submitted for management's reviews, such as contracts from suppliers and vendors.

We looked at the average chief systems engineer salary and compared it with the wages of an engineering trainee. Generally speaking, engineering trainees are paid $68,138 lower than chief systems engineers per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between chief systems engineers and engineering trainees are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like rf, c++, and technical support.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a chief systems engineer are more likely to require skills like "systems engineering," "system architecture," "dod," and "logistics." On the other hand, a job as an engineering trainee requires skills like "excellent interpersonal," "fire protection," "boilers," and "geotechnical." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Engineering trainees really shine in the energy industry with an average salary of $63,253. Comparatively, chief systems engineers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $115,188.On average, engineering trainees reach similar levels of education than chief systems engineers. Engineering trainees are 3.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 2.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Chief systems engineer vs. Telecommunication engineer

A telecommunication engineer is responsible for installing, testing, and repairing telecommunication systems including mobile telephone networks and fiber optic and digital satellite systems. Your day-to-day duties include diagnosing and troubleshooting systems faults, installing static and mobile antennae on masts and buildings, and designing, developing, and testing telecommunications equipment and components. As a telecommunication engineer, you are also required to provide guidance and support to telecommunication installers to ensure quality. You are also responsible for providing recommendations to upgrade outdated equipment.

On average, telecommunication engineers earn a $47,584 lower salary than chief systems engineers a year.A few skills overlap for chief systems engineers and telecommunication engineers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "project management," "rf," and "technical support. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real chief systems engineer resumes. While chief systems engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "systems engineering," "system architecture," "dod," and "logistics," telecommunication engineers use skills like "telecommunication," "switches," "fiber optic," and "telephone systems."

Telecommunication engineers may earn a lower salary than chief systems engineers, but telecommunication engineers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $102,087. On the other hand, chief systems engineers receive higher pay in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $115,188.In general, telecommunication engineers achieve lower levels of education than chief systems engineers. They're 7.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 2.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Chief systems engineer vs. Systems supervisor

A System Supervisor is often referred to as the IT supervisor. They work in corporate IT departments. They manage staff that promotes and even maintains a company's computer systems such as database, mainframe system, data communication, and vivid software programs.

On average, systems supervisors earn lower salaries than chief systems engineers, with a $42,370 difference per year.By looking over several chief systems engineers and systems supervisors resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "dod," "logistics," and "project management." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from chief systems engineer resumes include skills like "systems engineering," "system architecture," "program management," and "emerging technologies," whereas a systems supervisor is more likely to list skills in "management system," "windows," "control systems," and "continuous improvement. "

Systems supervisors make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $89,229. On the other hand, chief systems engineers are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $115,188.Most systems supervisors achieve a lower degree level compared to chief systems engineers. For example, they're 10.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Chief systems engineer vs. Project controls engineer

A Project Controls Engineer creates project cost reports and progress charts. These professionals interpret the company contract and deal with the existing cost control database and financial risk. Project Controls Engineers reconcile and organize the project cost information with the clients' status reports. Also, they evaluate cash flow reports and project cost reports prepared by CMA.

Project controls engineers tend to earn a lower pay than chief systems engineers by an average of $41,688 per year.While both chief systems engineers and project controls engineers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like project management, risk management, and earned value management, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between chief systems engineers and project controls engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a chief systems engineer might have more use for skills like "systems engineering," "system architecture," "dod," and "logistics." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of project controls engineers require skills like "project controls," "construction management," "primavera p6," and "control systems. "

In general, project controls engineers earn the most working in the energy industry, with an average salary of $94,074. The highest-paying industry for a chief systems engineer is the automotive industry.The average resume of project controls engineers showed that they earn lower levels of education compared to chief systems engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 5.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 2.5%.

Types of chief systems engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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